With a platform to end corruption and to make the “once-Empire State" affordable for all New Yorkers, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro officially announced his candidacy for governor on Monday.

Molinaro, who's a Republican from Red Hook, New York, chose Tivoli City Hall to officially make the announcement. He also spoke to fellow Republicans near the state Capital in Albany.

According to poughkeepsiejournal.com, Molinaro cited some of the reasons why he's seeking the states highest office.

We must redefine democracy in New York and make government work for the people. I believe that this generation of New Yorkers does in fact have a rendezvous with destiny. And while an unlikely path, all roads have brought us, all of us, to this very moment. "We must join together in a campaign larger than any one person, any one candidate, a campaign more important than the race for governor, a campaign for the people and the very soul of New York state.

Molinaro has been the Dutchess County executive for six years. Back in January, he announced that he would not seek the Republican nomination for Governor, but changed his mind after several potential candidates dropped out of the race.

Molinaro enters the race as the front-runner to win the Republican nomination. The Republican nomination convention is slated for late May.

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